Brett Francis

Biography

Do you have Tourette's? Awesome! How about anxiety? Great! Depression? So what?! ADHD, OCD? Right on! Brett Francis is a professional speaker and mental health advocate, with a TV and radio show. Her radio show, Not Broken® Radio, has 1.8M+ online listeners alone (Website, RSS feeds and podcast) and is heard on hundreds of stations throughout the globe! She’s also a best selling author and has a mental health clothing line, all aimed towards having open and honest discussion about mental health and disabilities and also to give confidence to those struggling. Read More >

When she was 6 years old, she was diagnosed with Tourette's Syndrome and severe ADHD. At 17, she was also diagnosed with anxiety, OCD and panic disorder. She spent a large part of her life feeling broken, wondering what was wrong with her - depressed, as an outcast, even to the ones closest to her. In 2012 she was in two car accidents that left her unable to work for a year, and living with chronic pain ever since.

Yet, she's pushed on and came out stronger than ever, realizing that it’s possible for everyone to forge experiences like these into strength and personal power. This may be you, loved ones, friends or co-workers, since the solution doesn't need any particular talent. It’s a philosophy. A state of mind.

It can not only shape your life, but it will also help others in theirs. Her philosophy involves three simple approaches that have helped her and many others in overcoming mental health barriers, disabilities, anxiety and stress, difficulties in business, entrepreneurship, relationships, life and health! It helps you embrace your true self and feel empowered about it!

She's faced many challenges with anxiety, disabilities, life and businesses, and yet (or exactly because of it!) she came out on top as a strong business woman, the proud Owner, CEO and President of multiple companies. She's constantly learning and is passionate about expanding her knowledge.

She’s an active member in the community and currently involves herself with many things such as working with disabled, volunteering and fundraising as part of a number of mental health organizations and has been involved with many other causes and non-profit organizations in the last decade. She’s endorsed by mental health associations across the globe as a Mental Health Advocate, including but not limited to: Mental Health America and Canadian Mental Health Foundation, and is Mental Health First Aid Certified.

She started her first company when she was 22 years old. How? She practices her simple philosophy to overcome her barriers, and manage the ones she still lives with every single day. Read Less ^

Speech Topics

As a keynote speaker and trainer, Brett Francis has worked with hundreds of corporations to increase the value of their most important asset: their employees. Brett’s forte is enhancing the contribution of each and every employee by helping them boost their emotional intelligence, manage stress more effectively, communicate better despite generational differences, and be fully present when they show up for work. Read More >

For corporate clients, working with Brett creates a more productive workplace where more is accomplished, employee retention is higher because people want to work there, and diversity is embraced for its ability to generate new ideas and perspectives.

Endorsed by Mental Health America, the Canadian Mental Health Association, Mental Health Commission of Australia and other important organizations for her expertise, Brett is a best-selling author who has worked with thousands of individuals.

Corporate audiences especially enjoy the frankness with which she shares her own personal story. Brett has emerged stronger after coping with Tourette’s syndrome, anxiety, ADHD, OCD, panic disorder and chronic pain.

Her Not Broken® Radio show is heard on hundreds of stations throughout the globe. She also hosts the TV series Breaking The Barriers. Read Less ^

Turn Challenges into Superpowers

Everyone has challenges but some people have more than others. Brett Francis knows this from personal experience. Only now she turns those challenges—her own and other people’s—into assets. Her mantra is “no one is broken” and she means it when she says “our struggles are not our fault.” Read More >

Her Not Broken® Radio show is heard on hundreds of stations throughout the globe; she is the bestselling author of Not Broken: How to Overcome Mental Health Challenges and Unlock Your Full Potential. In addition, she hosts the TV series Breaking The Barriers.

She gets the biggest kick out of inspiring individuals who need some help powering through their own issues. But she doesn’t just talk the talk … she walks it.

Some of the challenges that have made Brett a stronger person include Tourette’s syndrome, ADHD, childhood bullying, anxiety, panic disorder, OCD, an abusive relationship, a miscarriage and depression.

Brett’s mission is to educate individuals and society at large about mental health and why having mental health issues or a family member with them is a lot more normal than most people think. She wants to eradicate the stigma associated with mental health and disabilities so that those who are coping with such issues realize they are no different than having diabetes or some other common physical ailment. She advocates for greater education and awareness of these common problems.

Brett is endorsed by Mental Health America, the Canadian Mental Health Association, Mental Health Commission of Australia and other important organizations. Read Less ^

Increase Productivity By Reducing Stress: 3 Steps For A More Successful Business

The pressure to get things done, often on tight deadlines, can lead employees to barricade themselves in their offices and chain themselves to their desks as they forgo meals, breaks and needed fluids. In addition, employees bring to work their stress from home and vice versa. Read More >

Helping employees reduce their stress levels by arming them with the right tools is simply good, compassionate business practice. Read Less ^

5 biggest myths about stress... and how to harness it for your employees emotional well being

T.G.I.S. (Thank God it's Stress!): How to value stress as a signal for opportunity

Bring it on! 3 keys to master emotions in order to overcome workplace challenges

Advance Team Performance By Improving Communication & Decision Making

A team is only as strong as its weakest link. But sadly, team members are not always on the same page. Poor communication between members can lead to misunderstandings, poor decisions and lost opportunities. However, most of us need some help when it comes to understanding where other people are coming from and what it means to truly listen and be empathetic. Read More >

Baby boomer, Gen-X, millennial: Every team member needs to feel valued and know that their opinion matters. However, members of different generations may have different values and morals which can make understanding one another more challenging. Read More >

Happily, those challenges can be overcome through greater connection and understanding. Read Less ^

The power of synergy: How to diffuse conflict through team-building conversations

Ways to use "Locked-in listening™" to increase employee engagement and retention and feed workers’ souls

From Challenges to Advantages

Anxiety, depression, ADHD and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder are challenges but they can also be tapped as super powers. Discover how to turn any mental health difficulty into a means to reach your full potential.

A New Way of Looking at Mental Illness

There’s plenty wrong with the way the public and media talk about mental illness. How can we change the stereotypes and misconceptions people have when they hear the diagnosis of depression, anxiety and the like? In this informative, intriguing and inspiring presentation, Brett will give you the answers you seek for understanding mental health in order to thrive in your personal life, your relationships and your career.

Get Inspired by Brett’s Compelling Story

Once made to feel flawed and screwed up by the medical establishment, Brett is now an inspiration to others who, like her, have been diagnosed with Tourette’s, anxiety, ADHD, and OCD. Her mission to break the stigma and open the doors to a better understanding of mental health is catching on.

The 5 Biggest Misconceptions About Self-Care & Emotional Well-Being

Mental health and physical health may seem like two different things but in reality they are interrelated. Learn how to take care of your mental health—the most neglected aspect of modern health—as you discover five compelling hooks to take the weight of the world off your shoulders as you come to grips with the most common misconceptions about health. You’ll also pick up invaluable self-care tips.

Testimonials

"From the first time I met with Brett, her passion for advocating for persons living with mental health diagnoses was evident. Her passion for breaking down barriers for those in similar shoes was encouragement to invite her to speak at the Canadian Council on Rehabilitation and Work (CCRW)’s annual Business Awards Luncheon. Her dedication to the idea of equality is contagious, and her story touched everyone that was in attendance—some of our clients even pulled me aside after the event to thank me for finding such a motivational and fantastic guest speaker such as Brett! I would encourage anyone and everyone to book Brett as your next guest speaker for any and all future events, you will definitely not be disappointed!"

- Canadian Council on Rehabilitation and Work

"I have watched Brett overcome many barriers and stigmas associated with mental health and disabilities. She has taken those challenges and used it as strength to persevere. She not only takes pride in being a person with a disability, but she instills pride in others who doubt themselves or struggle with disability related issues. She is a strong inspirational advocate and uses her multimedia sources to reach out to as many people as possible in the disability community. In 2016 so far, Brett has been nominated for the YWCA Woman of Distinction Awards, the Champion of Mental Health Awards and now the Startup Awards for Canadian Resilient Entrepreneur Award.

Over the last 3 years, she’s accomplished mountains more than individuals who may not face barriers in society. If someone tries to tell her she can’t do something, she uses that as energy to fuel her drive and not only achieve her goals and expectations, but surpass them. Brett deserves to be recognized not only for all her hard work as an entrepreneur, but as the community voice for people with mental health and disabilities who may feel as if they don’t have a voice. She has spoken for us numerous time and we plan to continue having her back, I would recommend bringing her in to speak. You won’t be disappointed."

- Entrepreneurs with Disability Program

"In support of Sun West School Division’s Positive Mental Health Initiative, we were thrilled to have Brett Francis speak to our students at our Roads to Success Career Fair. Brett’s message was passionate, informative and relevant to the needs of our grade 10 and 11 students. Brett also provided a parent information session that evening that was very well received. I would highly recommend Brett as a presenter. Her personal life experiences and knowledge make her a strong advocate for positive mental health in the workplace and in life!"

- Sun West School Division

"Have Depression? Cool! Got ADHD? Right on! How about Anxiety? Awesome! How’s that for a disruptive approach to mental illness?!

When I heard those words last night, 2 things happened. First, I did a double take. Then I sat up straight and listened hard, as Brett Francis delivered a fresh and honest message about mental illness.

Brett is a professional speaker and an entrepreneur. She has written a book, records a radio show, and is really freaking strong (just look at her arms!). Brett also has Tourette’s Syndrome and first hand experience working through other mental illnesses. And she says, “That’s great!”

Last night, the Business & Professional Women hosted an amazing event, with inspiring women spreading important messages. The thing about important messages is that they need to be shared. Not just by the people who were a part of the story, but by people who have heard the story. And the story I heard last night about celebrating mental illness is one that needs to be shared.

Say what now? Isn’t mental illness this terribly, horrible, dark and scary thing that we want to avoid at all cost? After all, even Clara Hughes admits on her website that she couldn’t bring herself to tell her own mother about her depression (her mom found out from TV) because she didn’t want it to be a burden. So, why should we celebrate something that is such a burden? Well…

Who says it’s a burden? What makes it a burden? Who says it’s not a good thing? How can mental illness possibly be a good thing? Is there anything in your life that you’ve been able to say, or do, or feel, or express—because you have a mental illness? Maybe you’re able to empathize with others on a deep and genuine level. Maybe you are very in tune with how others are feeling. Maybe you developed a sense of strength. Maybe you’ve written a book or a blog. Maybe you’ve been able to share your story with 1 other person who now has hope because of you. Those are just a few of the reasons why mental illness is worth celebrating.

I came away from last night looking at mental illness with a different lens. A positive lens. And although it doesn’t feel quite right to say that yet (it’s a huge shift in mindset!), it also feels very right.

To all my friends who are struggling and triumphing as you read this. Right on! You are who you are, and I love you for it—not in spite of your mental illness, but because of it."

- Disrupt HR

"Brett Francis is a dynamic and captivating speaker. Business & Professional Women were so pleased to have her share insight into caring for and working with mental health issues. Brett’s message struck home with all of us when she said, “You are not broken!” Brett speaks from the heart and shares real life stories to educate on caring for our mental well being. Thanks Brett for all you do in our communities!"

- Business & Professional Women

"After meeting Brett, I invited her to come to our CMHAA Branch to share her intriguing story with my staff. I liked her immediately as she is a warm person with a very engaging personality. She came to talk to us and we found her easy to listen to, very intelligent, very funny and her story very enlightening. The staff really enjoyed her and described her story telling as powerful and compelling. Her optimism is contagious as the listeners stated that they felt better about themselves and about opportunities to help others feel better about themselves after listening to Brett. Her description of her real life experiences growing up with Tourette’s Syndrome, a diagnosis of ADHD, general anxiety and depression forced us to rethink how we may judge and treat people based on appearances and/or behaviors. Her honest portrayal of a young woman overcoming many obstacles to achieve her goals is educational, helpful and empowering. I strongly recommend that you contact Brett to be your next motivational speaker!"

- Canadian Mental Health Association

"I have known Brett on a professional level for a few years and now a personal level. Brett is a champion in the world of disabilities. Not only does she advocate, educate, and support individuals and families with disabilities, she lives it. And live it she does—with grace, professionalism, humility, and empathy. Brett has a few diagnoses but it is never about her—she is out there to help any and all who suffer.

Brett doesn’t see obstacles—she sees opportunities to grow and lead in the sometimes frustrating and overwhelming world of having a disability. Her positive attitude is infectious and is admired by all who know her.

Brett offers encouragement, hope and a future. She has participated and created television shows, radio shows and websites so that people with mental health issues have an opportunity to have a voice. Her passion comes from deep inside her and it flows into everything she touches."

- Learning Disabilities Association

"Brett was our speaker for our 2015 Mayors luncheon. Brett spoke to the heart of the issue, her story was first a story of survival and then of hope. She talked about how she used her mental health issues to her benefit. That was enlightening.

When we have speakers for our mayor’s luncheon my hope is that my friends and neighbours have a better understanding of mental health issues. It has only been in the last 20 years that I really started to look at this issue. When it affects your own family, the ones who are closest to you it can be so frustrating and scary. Mental Health Issues come in all types, sizes and vary with every illness and the person who has it. Some people need more support than others and that support can go on longer than you could have ever imagined.

I think that people like Brett who have lived the experience are the right people to share their stories and to give hope to others, to families and friends. I also think that professionals need to hear what Brett has to say, it would be nice to hear from her family, from their perspective how they coped and what they think they could have done differently or what they feel they did right.

Whenever someone is brave enough to share their story and make themselves vulnerable there is a lesson for all of us, we just have to listen and learn."

- Canadian Mental Health Association

"Brett is a passionate young woman who has found her calling in speaking out for mental health and wellness. After many years of struggling to overcome her own challenges with Tourette Syndrome, anxiety, depression and OCD, Brett has met them head on and turned them into something positive, and in the process she is making a difference for others. After the death of my son, Matt, a friend of Brett’s who took his own life after years of mental illness struggles, Brett organized a fundraiser in his memory, and raised several thousand dollars for the Canadian Mental Heal Association.

She is a passionate speaker, who speaks from the heart about growing up with Tourette's Syndrome and the many experiences she endured during her childhood after being diagnosed. She was able to overcome the obstacles that held her back, embrace her uniqueness, and now Brett wants to help others find their own strength and courage, embrace their abilities with confidence, so they too can live their best life and find success in their own endeavours. Brett is a compassionate person who brings great energy to everything, no matter how busy she is with her job, she still finds time to volunteer with numerous non-profit organizations.

Brett is a tireless mental health advocate and enjoys working mental health and other organizations, as well as different types of media, with the objective of building awareness and stopping the stigma and bullying so often associated with it. Brett is dedicated to helping others reach their full potential. Brett is an inspiration and has significantly contributed to the advancement of mental health awareness and education."

- Audience Member

"Brett is a phenomenal young woman with incredible passion and perseverance. She lives to help others through their mental and physical challenges while building her own entrepreneurial empire. She uses her own personal experience to connect with others via public speaking, television and radio to educate organizations as well as coach others who may be struggling with barriers. Her hard work is an inspiration to so many people and assists in recognizing, en masse, the importance of implementing a solid mental health management strategy within every organization."

- Refresh

"Brett Francis has been a speaker at two events for the Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program. Brett’s story of overcoming the odds is inspiring and is key to breaking down barriers on disability issues. Her message moved the audience and started important conversations among attendees following the events. I can’t thank Brett enough for being involved with our events and sharing her story."

- NSILC

"My depression was initially diagnosed as “adjustment disorder with depressed mood.” I wondered at the time if it was a ploy by the VA to avoid diagnosing a disorder that might cost the VA more to treat. The psychologist told me I had PTSD symptoms, but not enough to meet diagnostic criteria, as I was still functional. Given the stigma I had internalized against mental disorders at the time, I was only too happy to reassure myself that I didn’t meet criteria for PTSD. Fast forward however many months, function declined, and I was diagnosed with both MDD and PTSD. I guess my latest struggle has been with how to integrate these diagnoses into my self-concept in a positive manner. As Brett Francis says, “You’re not broken and you don’t need to be fixed. Her message truly inspires and helps others, it is very refreshing."

- Audience Member

"Brett Francis is truly inspiring, I myself struggle with BP & depression, anxiety, PTSD from a house fire, and thyroid issues, my favorite trigeminal neuralgia! All seem to be co-morbid conditions, plus oh yeah, mental pause, (menopause). Of all, TN, chronic pain, makes me very empathetic to my own detriment. I also have issues with time. ~wow!~ & yes, I work when I am able. Love it!!! Very inspiring and uplifting! Thank you, thank you, thank you for all that you do!"

- Audience Member

"I just wanted to share how Brett helped me not only understand what both of my children went, and continue to go through, but also that you helped me realize what I have gone through in my life. Your shows helped me open my eyes realizing that mental issues can happen to anyone. I have always considered myself one of the strongest people I know, and there have been issues that have brought me to my knees, and it would have been much easier dealing with that knowing then what I know now. Thanks for helping me open my eyes to mental issues, and increase my level awareness of both myself and others around me."

- Audience Member

“Brett is one of the most engaging speakers we've ever had. I would encourage anyone and everyone to book Brett for any and all future events, you will definitely not be disappointed!”

- CEO - Canadian Council on Rehabilitation and Work

“We were thrilled to have Brett speak, she was very well received to everyone in attendance. I would highly recommend Brett as a presenter.”

- Sun West School Division

“We had to turn people away for Brett's training seminar because the registration filled up so quickly. We will be having Brett back regularly and I would definitely recommend Brett for any of your organizational needs.”

- Executive Director - NSILC

“Brett was engaging, funny and entertaining, we would have her back in a second! She is incredibly dynamic and it you're looking for a speaker, she's it!”

- Executive Director of Learning Disabilities Association

“Brett was a wealth of information and knowledge, she also has just the right amount of grit to make her highly interesting and engaging. I'd highly endorse Brett for any and all of your speaking needs.”

- CEO - Positively parenting summit

"Thank you for being our keynote speaker! Everyone is very pleased with the Luncheon – we raised over $191,000 (a record) and had a record number of attendees – nearly 520. I admire your strength, positivity and resilience, and your desire to help others with their journeys."